The race kicks off in Maastricht before a zigzag tour of 72.8 kilometres leads the women through the hilly Limburg region in the south of the Netherlands. Following climbs up the Slingerberg, Adsteeg, Lange Raarberg, Bergseweg, Zwartebrugweg, Plettenberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg and Keutenberg, the women tackle the famous Cauberg for the first time. It is the most revered hill of the Netherlands, which climbs for 800 metres at 6.5% and its steepest section is 12.8%. The ascent is included four times in the Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition.
1.6 kilometres after the Cauberg the riders first pass the finish line and the circuit begins. Three laps of 17.9 kilometres and three times the Geulhemmerberg/Bemelerberg/Cauberg combo.
The Geulhemmerberg is 1 kilometre long and averages 5%. The route continues back towards Maastricht, but without entering the city and heading back to the hills instead. The riders hit the Bemelerberg, which is a winding 900 metres climb at 5%. A false flat and an ensuing drop take them to the foot of the Cauberg. The steepest ramp is 300 metres up the hill, which is a perfect place to strike. As said, the finish line is 1.6 kilometres after the top of Cauberg.
Usually, the Cauberg is decisive in the women’s Gold Race, although Nieuwiadoma and Longo Borghini – who attacked on the climb – were brought back in the final 500 metres of last year’s edition. Vos took the spoils in the ensuing group sprint.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX Amstel Gold Race Ladies edition 2022.
Other interesting reads: results/report and start list 2022 Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition.
Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2022: routes, profiles, more
Click on the images to zoom
